President of the Barbados Cancer Society (BCS), Professor David Rosin, has urged the public to participate in its annual raffle “to save lives”, and also issued another call for more men to be tested.
Professor Rosin made the appeal during Thursday’s announcement of the BCS’ raffle winners at the organisation’s headquarters in Henry’s Lane, St Michael.
“The funds from the raffle assist cancer patients with their diagnostic tests, medicines, basic domestic and personal care items, travel for special medical attention, and all those are included, as well as sending people to QEH (Queen Elizabeth Hospital) by our bus. So, all these things are done for patients with cancer and to make their cancer journey a lot easier.
“When you buy a ticket, you assist with saving lives, you help them to cope with their challenges, and you provide a caring environment, and we thank you again on their behalf for your support and participation in all our programmes,” he said.
Professor Rossin explained that funds, from the raffle which took place from April to December last year, are essential to assist cancer patients and to maintain the broad scope of programmes and activities of the Barbados Cancer Society.
“The society offers low-cost screening services, pap smears, BSA tests, prostate tests, STI testing for lobotomy surfaces as well as breast screening. Our clinics are open daily . . . to ensure our accessibility to follow through on your annual checkups. When you support the raffle, you help us to keep prices affordable,” he said.
Speaking to those gathered, he added: “I see the majority of people here are men. . . . You men are usually wimps, you’re the worst at coming forward to be screened. I think it’s something to do with coming from the Ice Age when men would like to think they were tough and they didn’t like to show any weakness. Women are so much better at going forward in the colon cancer trial – well more than half were female. Whereas, in the prostate cancer trial, it took much longer to do it because men didn’t come forward. So, men, you must come forward.”
Professor Rosin thanked the donors of prizes which were handed over to eight winners.
The 2023 raffle grand prize winning ticket was purchased by Allan Marshall, who walked away with $25 000.
The second prize, a Solar Dynamics 50-gallon water heater was won by Tiffany Corbin, and the third prize, a trip for two donated by Caribbean Airlines, was won by Shanice Skinner.
(BT)
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